Niall P. Murphy, PhD

Biography

Dr. Niall P. Murphy earned his PhD in neuroendocrinology from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. He previously conducted research at RIKEN Brain Science Institute in Japan, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of Florida.

Dr. Murphy’s research integrates cellular, molecular, and behavioral approaches to understand the neurobiology of addiction, pain, aging, and neurodegenerative disease. His work examines how neural processes shape motivated behavior, pain perception, and neural plasticity. Current projects investigate cannabinoid–opioid interactions, addiction‑related neuroadaptations, and mechanisms underlying opioid exposure and dependence.

He has extensive experience developing translational research models that bridge basic neuroscience with clinically relevant outcomes and previously worked in industry to advance therapeutic development. His laboratory employs advanced behavioral assays and molecular approaches to identify mechanisms that drive pain chronification and to evaluate non‑addictive therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Murphy has received funding from the National Institutes of Health and other sources to support studies of aging‑related pain mechanisms and novel targets for non‑opioid analgesia. His work aims to advance mechanism‑based treatments that improve pain management while reducing reliance on addictive medications.

In addition to his research, Dr. Murphy contributes to professional education and mentorship in dental and biomedical sciences and is committed to training the next generation of clinician‑scientists and pain researchers.